What is Domperidone?
Domperidone is an anti-nausea drug. It is also prescribed to treat
indigestion in people receiving end-of-life care. In some countries, doctors
prescribe it to breastfeeding mothers to increase milk production when other
measures have failed.
Domperidone is available by prescription only. Sold under the brand name
Motilium.
How do you take domperidone?
You must follow your doctor's instructions for taking domperidone. If
your dosage is different, do not change it. These are average doses, but your
situation may be different:
For gastrointestinal motility
disorders. It's a problem with how food travels through your body. Adults: 10 mg
3-4 times a day. Some people may need a higher dose of 20 mg 3 to 4 times a
day.
For nausea and vomiting. Adults: 20 mg 3-4 times a day.
To increase lactation. The usual starting dose is 10 mg every 8 hours.
The dose may vary depending on the response.
Missed dose. If you miss a dose,
take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not double
dose.
How does domperidone work?
Domperidone blocks messages that pass between the digestive system and
the brain. It reduces the chance of you getting sick by tensing the muscles at
the entrance to the stomach and relaxing the muscles at the exit of the
stomach. It also blocks messages in your brain that make you sick.
Domperidone helps increase milk production by stimulating the release of
prolactin. This hormone stimulates the production of breast milk.
Who should not take domperidone?
Domperidone is usually prescribed for adults and children over 12 years
of age, but not for everyone. You should talk to your doctor if you have any of
the following problems:
- Allergy to domperidone or other medicines
- Stomach bleeding
- Recent abdominal surgery
- Pituitary tumor
- Liver or kidney problems
- Heart problems or irregular heartbeat
- Weight less than 35kg
- Intestinal obstruction, Crohn's disease or diverticulitis
Domperidone may interact with some other medicines. Tell your doctor if
you are taking any of the following medicines:
- Antipsychotics or antidepressants
- Antibiotics or antifungals
- HIV drugs
- Medicines for malaria
- Medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems
- Cancer drugs or treatments
What are the side effects of domperidone?
Not all of these side effects may occur, and they may also be the result
of an overdose. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may need
medical attention:
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Disorientation
- Arrhythmia
- Dizziness
- Loss of muscle control or balance
- Difficulty to speak
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor
immediately:
- Swelling of the mouth
- Loss of muscle control or balance
- Swelling of the hands, face, legs or feet
- Rapid, pounding, irregular, or rapid heartbeat
Some side effects may improve as you adjust to your treatment. They may
not need medical attention. Check with your healthcare provider if you find any
of these problems:
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Breast swelling in men
- Hives
- Hot flashes
- Itchy skin
- Itching, pain, swelling or redness of the eyes
- Breast milk leaks from nipples
- Chest pain
- Menstrual irregularities
Other ways to increase milk production
Domperidone is not approved for increasing milk production. This does
not mean that it cannot be prescribed for this reason. It simply means that the
manufacturer has not approved it for that reason.
Domperidone should never be the first drug used to increase breast milk
supply. It should only be used after you have tried all other methods to
increase your milk supply. Before you try domperidone, you should do the
following:
- Make sure your baby is latching on properly.
- Use breast compression to increase the amount of milk your baby drinks.
- Express milk after your baby has eaten to increase milk supply.
- Do not use artificial nipples such as pacifiers.
Here are other ways to naturally increase breast milk production:
- Breastfeed whenever your baby is hungry.
- Offer both breasts at every feed. Let the child finish on one side and then offer the other.
- Get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet.
- Pull often between feedings.
- Relax and massage your breasts to stimulate milk flow before feeding your baby.